Living in the past

I had coffee today with a friend who used to work at New Church.  She basically had my job at one point in time, though with a lot more responsibilities.  Anyway as we were talking about things that are happening at New Church, I started to think about the way that churches can tend to live in the past. 

One of the things that always bothered me at Old Church was the use of the word "tradition" as in "We always do things this way because that's the way we've always done and we can't change it because it's tradition."  It didn't matter if it was simply rearranging the way the Nativity scene was put up (or where the Nativity scene was placed*), if it went against "tradition" it was frowned upon.**  I soon began to say things like, "in the past we have done this but that doesn't mean we have to do that now."  I am rebel, here me roar!

That's one thing about churches, though, we like our "traditions" and we are reluctant to give them up, even if it's for good reasons.  In many ways our churches are living in the past.  Now, please hear me loud and clear, sometimes it's really okay to live in the past, there are traditions that are good and fine.  However, when we live in the past so much that we can't see the future, that's when we get into trouble.  If we are so focused on how we have always done things, we tend to not be very innovative or open to new ideas of doing ministry and ministry tends to stagnate.

I'm not one to just try something because it's the newest and latest craze.  I like some traditions but I believe that there are times when we need to break out of the mold.  We need may need let the Pastor that retired 25 years ago finally retire in our own minds.  Maybe we need to recognize that though the pews have held up for 75 years, putting in chairs may actually enhance the worship space and give us opportunities to try something new...or at least maybe we could invest in new cushions that match the carpet we had to install 10 years ago because the old one finally wore out?  Maybe we need to acknowledge that the just the name Sunday School is actually a turnoff to kids and adults alike or that Sunday has become so busy for parents and children that we need to figure out a new model altogether.  While we are on that subject, can we please, please, please just let go of the outrage of over Sunday not being a Sabbath day anymore?  Times are changing, our attitudes aren't helping.

I guess that's the point of this whole post.  Times are changing.  Traditions are good but if they are getting in the way of ministry, I believe it's time to reexamine our goals, our ideas, take a look at history and then put things in the past if they need to be put away and move forward into the future.  It's time to stop living in the past.

*Yes, this was an issue.  I personally liked the scene under the Communion table the most, it was front and center and it actually looked like it was a stable but under the Christmas tree was the place!  Especially once the Communion table was enclosed with a floor length table cloth.  Don't get me started on that!

**I also take umbrage with the use of the word tradition for something that has only happened one time.  One time a tradition does not make.  Talk to me about the 5th time.  Then it can be a tradition.